Recognition

Letters of recognition

﻿﻿Purpose: Recommendations are meant to provide a third-person perspective on you as an individual.It is “expert testimony” regarding the ability of a person to perform a task. The tasks may include performing a job, succeeding in school, or profiting from a particular experience. There are two basic types of rec. letters: 1) “field specific/expert” and 2) “character/non-expert”.

Directions:

The Process for Obtaining Good Letters of Recommendation

1. Choose your letter writers carefully. The best letter writers have worked with you on a project directly related to the program you are applying to. Your letter writers must:

Be knowledgeable of your skills, work ethic, talents, and future capacity.

Know you as a person as well as a student or employee.

Be familiar with the position or program you are applying to.

2. Ask “The Question”. Once you have met with your potential letter writer and shared all of the materials above, then ask: “Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation?” If the answer is “no”, or you sense any hesitancy, consider asking someone else.

3. Provide letter writers ample time. Be considerate of your letter writers’ time and workload.Approach them at least one month in advance of your request.

4. Contact your letter writers. If your letter writers are local, ask for an in-person meeting to discuss the program you are applying to. Tell them that you have prepared an information sheet that outlines the items below:

A copy of the program description or job announcement.

Your Cover Letter and Resume.

To whom should the letter be addressed?

Will they need to submit the letter online or mail a hardcopy? If yes, make sure you provide them a stamped, addressed envelope for their use.

Is there a recommendation form that they need to fill out in addition to the letter they are providing?

7. Check in. Send them a friendly reminder two weeks out and then again three days before the letter is due.

8. Give thanks. Write a warm and sincere thank you note to your letter writers once the letters are complete. Whether the program accepts you or not, be sure to inform your letter writers and thank them again.